Food Distributor Breaks Ground On New Columbia Headquarters, Plans 107 New Jobs

COLUMBIA, MD — Saval Foods has broken ground on a new 230,000-square-foot headquarters and distribution center in Columbia, a project expected to create more than 100 jobs while consolidating several of the company's Howard County operations.

The family-owned foodservice distributor plans to retain its 391 full-time employees and create 107 full-time jobs over the next four years. The new Columbia Gateway facility will include a distribution center and multistory office building.

The headquarters will bring together Saval's corporate operations, Saval Foodservice and 1932 Specialty Produce & Meat. The company will continue operating its four existing facilities in Howard County, Baltimore County and Baltimore City during construction.

"Bringing our operations together under one roof will allow us to work more efficiently, strengthen collaboration across our teams and create the space we need to continue growing," Saval Foods President and CEO Paul Saval said.

Founded in 1932 as a small family-owned deli operation, Saval Foods is now in its fourth generation and has grown into one of the Mid-Atlantic's largest broadline foodservice distributors. The company supplies restaurants, delicatessens, caterers and other foodservice businesses with products including fresh-cut meat, produce and seafood.

Saval Foods is eligible for several state and local incentives for the project, including a $1.75 million conditional loan through the Maryland Department of Commerce's Advantage Maryland program. Because the project is within a designated Enterprise Zone, the company also could qualify for state tax credits.

The Howard County Economic Development Authority is offering an $800,000 repayable loan through its Catalyst Fund, along with up to $175,000 in workforce training and development grants.